A NOTABLE BANQUET.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 256, 5 November 1910, Page 8

A NOTABLE BANQUET.

DOMINION DELEGATES WEL--1 COMED. [PBESS ASSOCIATION.] (Received Nov. 4, 11.55 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Nov. 4. Router states that the Government gave an official banquet to-night, welcoming Messrs Fisher, Lemieux (Canada) and Fowlds. It was a notable gathering, . including Major-General Soobell; four Administrators, Senators, and members of the Assembly and the National Convention. Mr Savor, '..Minister for Railways and Harbors, presided in the absence of Mr Botha _, who was indisposed. Mr Saver proposed the health of the guests. He pointed out that the experience of Canada and Australia largely helped the National Convention in drafting the Constitution. He ascribed the. progress of South Africa first to the character of the people, and secondly to the early and adequate application of Liberal principles by the Imperial Grovernment. Dr Jameson, in supporting the toast, hoped that they might be able to repay the debt to Australia, and Canada by the encouragement through the success of South Africa. Mr Fisher, in replying, referred to the wonder of people Who had been at strife a few years since being; able, ]>y the enlightened policy of the Imperial Government, sanctioned by British subjects in' all parts* of the world, to form a Union. He brought the goodwill of four and .a-tialf millions of •whites.: Members of Parliament should speak their thoughts openly, ■enabling the settlement of remaining •differences as early as possible. Since 'his arrival in South Africa he, had* seen a happyl arid contented people, •with a small minority who shook their lieads mournfully over what had occurred. Ho did not agree with them. Nothing had taken place in "the world's liistory in recent times which would have a greater effect on the world than tlie South African tJnion. They had now five nations filling to co-operate in common affairs and wider concerns affecting, the in.terests of civilised humanity. He •"warmly suggested the idea of delega- . tions perambulating the world from <one Dominion to another, giving enicouragement and perhaps criticism. In conclusion, Mr Fisher offered a welcome from Lhe Australian people iand Parliament. ; ' Mr Lemieux conveyed fraternal greetings from Canada.; He alluded to the transition from' jvar to Union as the greatest miracle of British constructive genius, and urged the application to South. Africa of Canadian principles/ welding the races and promising theSsame most satisfactory l/esults. Mr Fowlds reminded his hearers of the fact that Sir George Grey was recalled from South Africa half a century ago because he favored [Responsible Government. He urged jjbhat South Africa was geographically jpne of4;the keystones of the Imperial .arch. She had great prospects if mutual respect, goodwill, and. toleration characterised the relations of the people. He praised the qualities •df. the Dutch, than whom none/were 'more loyal-subjects of the Crown. ' "Lord De . Villiers, in proposing .•"The Union of South Africa," laid stress on the assertion that there was no real racial difficulty in South Africa, emphasizing; regarding language, that the fittest would survive. Mr Merriman, ex-Premier of Cape Colojny, in replying, said that he jiever" feared trifles like difference in language. If South Africa ever became a great people it would be in the mode of treatment of the natives, [which niusb'be justice, freedom, and jfcolerance. , .....-,